Manusmriti in Law Faculty: Delhi University Rejects Proposal

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Manusmriti in Law Faculty
Delhi University rejects the controversial proposal to include Manusmriti in syllabus of law faculty

Manusmriti in Law Faculty: Delhi University Rejects Proposal

Delhi University rejects the controversial proposal to include Manusmriti in syllabus of law faculty, facing backlash for its regressive views. Read more about the decision and reactions.

Delhi University has decided against including ‘Manusmriti’ in its law curriculum. The proposal aimed at updating the syllabus of the jurisprudence paper. But, it faced strong opposition from teachers’ groups. Here is a detailed summary:

Proposal Rejected by University

▪︎Announcement: On Thursday, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh announced that the proposal to teach ‘Manusmriti’ in law courses was rejected. This decision affects the suggestion to include Manusmriti in Law Faculty.

▪︎Initial Suggestion: The Faculty of Law suggested changes to the jurisprudence syllabus. They proposed on the inclusion of readings from ‘Manusmriti’. This proposal to include Manusmriti in Law Faculty was met with considerable resistance.

Details of the Proposal

1. Proposed Texts:

▪︎The Faculty of Law proposed two texts: “Manusmriti with Manubhashi” and the “Commentary of Manusmriti”.

▪︎These texts were intended to be part of the course on Medhatithi’s Concept of State and Law. The inclusion of these texts would have been a significant change in the law curriculum, highlighting the role of Manusmriti in law faculty.

2. University’s Decision:

▪︎The Vice-Chancellor stated that these texts and the amendments proposed were not approved.

▪︎He confirmed that ‘Manusmriti’ would not be taught at Delhi University. This rejection marks the end of attempts to incorporate Manusmriti in law courses.

Opposition from Teachers

▪︎Swift Criticism: The proposal faced immediate backlash from a section of teachers. They were particularly concerned about the implications of including Manusmriti in law faculty.

▪︎Regressive Views: Teachers argued that ‘Manusmriti’ is regressive. It particularly shows bias against women and marginalized communities. This concern was central to the opposition against including Manusmriti in syllabus of law faculty.

Reaction from Teachers’ Groups

1. SDTF’s Stand:

▪︎The Social Democratic Teachers Front (SDTF), backed by the Left, was particularly vocal in its opposition to Manusmriti.

▪︎SDTF wrote a letter to Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh. They expressed their concerns about the inclusion of Manusmriti in law faculty.

2. Letter to the VC:

▪︎The letter was signed by SS Barwal, the general secretary, and S K Sagar, the chairperson of SDTF.

▪︎They argued that ‘Manusmriti’ propagates a regressive outlook on the people’s rights. It undermines the rights of women and marginalized communities. This argument was a key reason for their objection to Manusmriti in law faculty.

3. Educational Impact:

▪︎The teachers stated that including Manusmriti in law courses would be detrimental to the education and advancement of women and marginalized groups.

▪︎They emphasized that the text opposes women’s education and equal rights in several sections. This makes it unsuitable for inclusion of Manusmriti in law courses.

Constitutional Concerns

▪︎Against Constitutional Principles: The teachers argued that introducing Manusmriti in law faculty goes against the basic structure and principles of the Indian Constitution.

▪︎Progressive Education System: The inclusion of such a text would contradict the aims of a progressive education system, reinforcing the opposition to addition of Manusmriti in law courses.

Conclusion

▪︎Firm Stand: Delhi University remains firm in its decision. ‘Manusmriti’ will not be part of the law curriculum. This decision ensures that decision to teach Manusmriti in law courses will not proceed.

▪︎Commitment to Progress: The university is committed to maintaining a progressive and inclusive education system, and rejecting ‘Manusmriti in Law Faculty’ is a part of this commitment.

By rejecting the proposal, Delhi University has responded to the concerns of its teachers and upheld its commitment to an inclusive education system.

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